Students of the University of Ghana, Legon, have begun a three-day protest demanding the dismissal of the management of the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL) over a 15 per cent increase in hostel fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The demonstration, organised by the Concerned Students of the University of Ghana, began on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Okponglo taxi station near East Legon, with protesters marching towards the university’s main entrance.
The students argue that the increase is unjustified, citing a lack of adequate consultation and improvements in hostel facilities to justify the additional charges. They are also demanding a review of the fees, transparency in the determination of accommodation charges and the abolition of the UGEL hostel management system.
One of the protesters told journalists that UGEL had failed to improve students’ accommodation conditions despite increasing fees.
The students further warned that rising accommodation costs could place additional financial pressure on students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, and potentially affect their ability to continue their education.
Protest Proceeds Despite SRC and GRASAG Appeals
The demonstration went ahead despite appeals by the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) urging students to stay away.
The protest was initially scheduled for November 2 but was postponed to November 9 following a request by the police for additional time to prepare personnel to provide security and facilitate the exercise.
Convener of the Concerned Students, Nasiba Abass, a graduate student and organiser of the Save Our Universities movement, alleged that university management and state security officials had intimidated students in an attempt to discourage them from participating.
UG Management Explains Fee Adjustments
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, and signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, the university management acknowledged the concerns raised by students and reiterated its commitment to dialogue.
Management explained that UGEL had initially proposed a 26 per cent increase for some halls, but the proposed adjustment was reduced following engagements with student leaders.
Under the revised arrangement, fees for standard rooms accommodating four students increased by 15 per cent, while rooms shared by two students recorded a 19 per cent increase.
Management also disclosed that accommodation fees in the traditional halls, which are directly managed by the university, had increased by GH¢500, from GH¢3,000 to GH¢3,500 per academic year.
It attributed the adjustment to rising costs of utilities, maintenance and other services.
The university said it was reopening discussions with the SRC, GRASAG-UG and the UGEL Board to reach an agreement that would be fair and financially sustainable.
UGEL CEO Rejects Exploitation Allegations
Meanwhile, UGEL Chief Executive Officer, Yawo Agbesi, has rejected allegations that the company is exploiting students through the hostel fee adjustments.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, he maintained that the company was not seeking to take advantage of students and indicated that further engagements would be held with student representatives to resolve the disagreement.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rosina Kyerematen, who received a petition from the protesters on behalf of the university, assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to management for consideration.
Rent Control Department Intervenes
The protest comes amid growing concerns over rising accommodation costs, with the Rent Control Department earlier directing UGEL and private hostel operators to suspend unassessed rent increases and refund excess payments by November 17, 2026.
The directive adds to pressure on hostel operators to comply with rent regulations and address complaints over accommodation charges.
Support for Students Grows
The Economic Fighters League (EFL), through its Students Command, has thrown its support behind the protesters, describing the demonstration as part of a broader struggle for academic freedom and students’ right to organise.
University of Ghana law lecturer, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has also criticised the university’s requirement for students to obtain approval from the Dean of Student Affairs before embarking on demonstrations, describing the rule as “bad law”.
The students have vowed to sustain the three-day protest until their demands are addressed, keeping the university’s hostel fee dispute at the centre of discussions over student welfare and accommodation affordability.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa